The curtains were pulled open, and the owner came over, “All set?”
Nelson greeted him politely, “Thank you, Todd.”
The elder named Todd waved his hand and finally asked curiously, “And this is…?”
He was referring to Callie.
Callie felt a bit awkward being asked. She didn’t need to look to know what expression Nelson would have.
How should she answer? Girlfriend?
She instinctively took a step back.
Suddenly, her wrist was grabbed, and Nelson pulled her forward, speaking in the most natural tone, “I’m married, Todd. This is my wife.”
Callie stiffened.
She looked up at him in disbelief.
“Married? That’s great.” Todd laughed heartily and gave Callie a hearty pat on the shoulder. “Come on, let’s go get some late-night snacks.”
Callie was stunned, “Huh?”
Nelson gestured for her to move forward.
If she hadn’t seen it with her own eyes, Callie would never have imagined that a man who made billion-dollar decisions daily would sit in a narrow, bustling place for late-night snacks.
And he didn’t show a hint of disdain.
Todd ordered a few bottles of beer and was clearly delighted to see Nelson. He introduced Callie, “I watched Nelson grow up. I haven’t seen him in ages.”
Learning about Nelson’s past so suddenly, Callie was indeed surprised.
Nelson poured Todd a drink and said lightly, “I’ve been too busy these past few years.”
Todd replied, “You think I don’t know? You’re avoiding me.”
Nelson said nothing.
He was tall and had to squeeze onto a small stool, his long legs awkwardly positioned.
Curious, Callie asked while munching on some barbecue, “Why is that? Tell me.”
Todd smiled knowingly but didn’t answer.
“As long as you’re willing to come see me, that’s good enough.” Then he changed the subject, “Young lady, you’re the first woman I’ve seen by his side. How long did you date before getting married?”
Nelson interrupted, half-jokingly, “That’s because we don’t see each other often. You’ve only seen this one.”
Just as he finished speaking, Todd knocked him on the head. “Having many girlfriends is something to be proud of?”
Callie burst out laughing.
Nelson shot her a warning look.
“What’s your name, young lady?”
“Callie.”
Todd chewed over the name and took another look at her face. “You look… very much like…”
“Todd, she’s not Maeve,” Nelson cut him off firmly. “She’s Callie, my wife.”
Todd was taken aback but then downed his drink in one gulp. “Good! I’m glad you’ve moved on from the past! Since you’re married, treat her well.”
Nelson looked a bit impatient but had to comply reluctantly. “I know.”
It was summer, and the sky was full of scattered stars with a crescent moon.
The breeze blew through the alley, carrying the aroma of barbecue for miles. The surroundings were noisy and lively as they sat there like the most ordinary people in the world.
Todd drank too much and dozed off on the table.
Without a third person to ease the atmosphere, Callie felt a bit uneasy.
Nelson perked up. “Want to play a game?”
Callie tilted her head. “What game?”
“Chemindefer, baccarat, best of five rounds,” Nelson said as he asked the owner for a deck of cards and quickly shuffled them in his hands.
Callie knew just enough to play.
Propping her head up with one hand, she nodded. “What’s the bet?”
Nelson hadn’t thought about it yet. “Let’s see who wins first.”
After dealing the cards, Callie had decided on a bet. It was something Nelson would absolutely refuse to do. When he refused, there would only be one solution-settle it with money.